The cost of a college or university education is higher than ever before. Many students leaving high school and contemplating higher education weigh this investment against the estimated opportunities (i.e., job openings, salary, advancement opportunities, etc.) in their industry of interest. According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following hot jobs will be great demand in 2019 and beyond, offering the best opportunity, salary, and job perks for young people:

1. Aerospace engineer
   The U.S. Bureau of Labor claims a vast shortage in the field of aerospace until the year 2024 due to huge growth in the aerospace manufacturing sector. In particular, a high demand for qualified aerospace engineers is foreseen due to retirements and labor pool shortages. Aerospace engineers make a median wage of $42 per hour if they’ve earned the relevant bachelors degree and state licensing requirements. Those interested in this field of study will be responsible for research, design, development, testing, maintenance, and installation of various aerospace components, vehicles, and systems.

2. Registered nurse
   There is ever-growing demand for registered nurses (RNs), which makes this career path the highest demand thanks to soaring numbers of aging baby boomers, many who are nurses who are about to retire (at an average age of 43- to 65-years old). In fact, labor statistics estimate a shortage of approximately 25,000 RNs by 2020. There are plenty of opportunities for RNs as primary care providers, in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and residential settings, many in remote or rural areas, across the entire U.S. RNs require bachelor degree education and registration with a state authority to earn roughly $46 per hour.
3. Truck drivers
   More and more of us purchase what we need online, and that means plenty of work for truck drivers, both to fill growing shipping needs and in order to replace retiring drivers (who average 47- and 65-years old). Labor statistics estimate a shortage of over 135,000 truck driver job positions now and into 2028. Society at large, and particularly residents in remote locations, depend on drivers for food, clothing, industrial supplies, etc. Drivers who obtain truck driving training and adequate licenses, make roughly $21 to start.
4. Pharmacist
   We’re living long and longer due to advancements in healthcare. However, a soaring aging population is lacking in qualified pharmaceutical services. Plus, there is estimation that demand for 24-hour pharmacies will grow. Pharmacists do much more than renew prescriptions and fill medication requests, many also prescribe drugs, administer vaccines, and counsel and educate patients. After earning a relevant bachelor degree and pharmacology registration with a state  regulatory authority, licensed pharmacists make an hourly wage of between $46 to $47 per hour.

5. Steamfitter/pipefitter
   If you enjoy working in an industrial setting, now is the time to get your vocation training as a steamfitter or pipefitter. Currently, labor experts report a huge need for qualified workers and apprentices due to upcoming retirements. Pipefitters and steamfitters work hands-on installing and retrofitting industrial piping systems; making sprinkler upgrades; and fabricating, assembling and maintaining a variety of industrial fuel and piping projects. To join this extremely in-demand industry, you need to earn your vocational training, start an apprenticeship program, and earn your official trade certification to make $35 per hour, on average.